I am brand new to the RC airplane stuff so any help would be much appreciated.

I need to build a RC plane w/ about 5ft wing span, but i dont know how to choose one.

I am going to mount different measuring devices on it, such as, elevation, speed...that sort of stuff.

I need information about the different possiblilities i have and the benefits of each one.

electric vs. gas
wing loading size
engine size...that sort of stuff

And what types of planes are good. There are thousands of planes out there and I was wondering if you could give me suggestions on planes that work well. I have an experienced friend thats going to fly the planes.

Thanks for your help....

Instead of answering your questions, check out this site .It's full of general info and very helpful. Then you will have specific questions that the flight guru's here will be happy to help you with. Buz^ http://www.rcfaq.com/

What type of plane does your friend perfer?? After all he has to fly it!

From what I think you are doing you may want a High wing type aircraft capable of carrying a large payload.

Telemaster
Senior Telemaster
J-3 Cub (My 80" H9 can lift over a pound and the Fus. is real roomy)

to name as few

BTE Flyin' King, maybe?